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NEWS
Senwes Hennenman silo first with solar PV in SA
HENNENMAN SILO IN THE FREE STATE DID NOT ONLY BECOME THE FIRST SILO IN THE SENWES GROUP TO BE EQUIPPED WITH SOLAR ENERGY , BUT ALSO THE FIRST SILO IN SOUTH AFRICA TO BOAST SOLAR ENERGY WHEN THE COMPLETED PROJECT WAS LAUNCHED IN JUNE .
The above is due to an astonishing 1 120 solar panels with a capacity of 358kWp which were installed at the silo . The total projected solar energy consumption is 472 460 kWh per year , which represents 62 % of the total electricity consumption of Hennenman silo - it will result in a huge cost saving .
Francois Strydom , Group Chief Executive Officer of Senwes , says : “ In accordance with our sustainability objectives and , inter alia , our contribution to decreasing the carbon footprint , solar power PV will bring about a saving of approximately 1kg CO2 / kWh . The projected carbon saving will amount to 472,5 tons of CO2 per year .
This project commenced in January this year and was completed in April , when it was integrated into the existing electricity system . Silo Manager , Nico Els , monitors the solar panel PV with a special application , Sunny Portal , which reflects the total kWh being produced per hour at the blink of an eye . He is very excited about the results thus far - the system recently indicated 1 600kWh and 281kWp , 10 % above the projected maximum demand of 266kWp .
In an attempt to render effective service to its customers , Senwes regards it as appropriate to invest in technology and alternative energy .
The project is executed by Motla Consulting Engineers , commissioned by Senwes . According to Strydom solar panel PV-systems will soon be installed at other silos as well .
The project followed the installation of 2 392 solar panels with a total capacity of 753,48kWp , which was completed in June 2016 at Senwes Head Office in Klerksdorp .
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AUG / SEP 2017 • SENWES Scenario